How to choose the right task manager and get started

Assess the real need

Some people suffer from ideal tool selection syndrome. It seems to them that if they find the same task manager, they will immediately start to keep up with everything. As a result, they spend more and more time searching and iterating over new programs, none of which can fully satisfy them.

Look critically at your current instrument. What don't you like about him? What features are you missing right now? Write the answers to these questions on a piece of paper. If you have not been able to formulate anything concretely, then most likely it is not about the task manager, but about you. You just take time off from work, hiding behind the search for another to-do-application.

Analyze your requests

After you have formulated your wishes, it's time to move on to their analysis.

"Task manager" is a too general concept, under which completely diverse programs and services can be hidden. Some of them are designed for keeping shopping lists and household chores, others can even be used to manage the work of a small business.

All task management tools can be roughly divided into several large categories:

Private - simple to-do lists without sharing.
Command - ideal for family or small group sharing.
Professional is a personal work tool with advanced features.
Managerial - project and employee management system.

Once you have identified your needs, it will be much easier for you to discard all unnecessary and find the right option. Please note that it is much preferable to use several tools, each of which is suitable for a specific case, than one fancy harvester for all occasions.

Find the right tool for your needs

Personal - Google Tasks

task management from Google offers all the functions you need for everyday use. Each item in the list can have sub-items and comments. Tasks are assigned due dates, but the exact time cannot be specified. Google Tasks is integrated with many of the company's applications, and also has clients for iOS and Android. Thanks to its simple interface and limited set of functions, mastering this tool does not cause any difficulties.

Alternative options:

Microsoft To-Do;
Clear;
Apple Reminders.

Team - Trello

- a favorite application of hundreds of thousands of people who use it for a variety of purposes. The most remarkable property of this service is its clarity and simplicity. At the same time, it is quite powerful and is great not only for personal use, but also for the work of small teams. Lifehacker's editors use Trello.

Alternative options:

MeisterTask;
Any. DO;
Zenkit.

Professional - Things

One of the best work organization apps. has a great design and a rich set of features. This tool makes full use of the GTD methodology, therefore it is the best way to increase personal effectiveness.

Alternative options:

Wunderlist;
2Do;
TickTick.

Managerial - Todoist

is one of the most advanced task management software. It contains all the necessary functions, including setting due dates, creating subtasks, managing projects, assigning labels, and even filtering items according to various criteria. You can share tasks with colleagues and keep track of progress, so Todoist can be used in business.

Todoist: Doist Inc. To Do List and To Do List